NW Bicester is a pioneering development led by A2Dominion to create the first eco town in the UK. The Masterplan (submitted in March 2014) sets out our vision to provide circa 6,000 true zero carbon homes and associated facilities and infrastructure to sustain a vibrant, sustainable new community over the next 25 – 30 years.

Elmsbrook will make a real difference — not only to the environment but also to Bicester’s economy, bringing new jobs and business opportunities.
Construction on the first phase, now being marketed as Elmsbrook, commenced in April 2014 and consists of 393 highly energy efficient homes, a primary school, convenience store, nursery, community hall, pub and eco-business centre. Electricity will be generated from PV solar panels on every roof and heat and hot water will come from a combined heat and power energy centre. 40% of the development will be green space and will incorporate communal barbecue areas, herb boxes and allotments.
Elmsbrook will be built in four phases over the next 5 years. Phase 1 of the development is now complete and A2Dominion has appointed Hill as the lead contractor to deliver the second phase of Elmsbrook.

Sustainability Criteria

North West Bicester is the only eco town in the UK that adheres to the Government’s Planning Policy Statement 1.

The Government’s Planning Policy Statement 1 states that eco towns must meet the following criteria:

Zero carbon

Over a year the net carbon dioxide emissions from all energy use within the buildings on the eco-town development as a whole are zero or below. The initial planning application and all subsequent planning applications for the development of the eco-town should demonstrate how this will be achieved. The definition of zero carbon applies to the whole development rather than individual buildings.

Climate change adaptation

Eco-towns should be sustainable communities that are resilient to and appropriate for the change in climate that is now accepted as inevitable. They should be planned to minimise future vulnerability in a changing climate, and with both mitigation and adaptation in mind.

Homes

Must achieve Building for Life Silver Standard and minimum Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, meet lifetime homes standard and space standards, have real time energy monitoring systems, provide for at least 30% affordable housing, demonstrate high energy efficiency in the fabric of the building.

Transport

Travel in eco-towns should be designed so that access to it and through it gives priority to options such as walking, cycling and public transport.

Green infrastructure

40% of the eco-town total area should be allocated to green space, of which at least half should be public.

Biodiversity

Eco-towns should show a net gain in biodiversity.

Water

Eco-towns should be ambitious in terms of water efficiency particularly in areas of serious water stress and should contribute to further improvement of water quality.

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News & Events

Details of Event
Date: Sunday 24th July 2016
Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
Venue: Annex Field of Bicester Community College (behind Bicester Leisure Centre), Queens Avenue (the field is being cleared by A2Dominion in